Paul B. Champion, 89, of Rapid City passed away on October 15, 2014.

Paul B. Champion was born on January 11, 1925 to James and Mary (Nachtigall) Champion. He was born at the midwife's home on Joy Ave. in Rapid City, SD. He was one of 14 children.
He grew up in Greyhound Gulch outside of Keystone, SD.
Several family members were employed by Gutzon Borglum working on Mt Rushmore. His father James built the original wooden stairs, providing access to the top of the mountain for the workers.
His brother Jimmy, used a jackhammer to drill holes for dynamite blasting, his sister, Elizabeth worked in the kitchen. Two of his brother-in-laws also worked on Mt Rushmore, Robert Himebaugh, who prepared dynamite charges and Arthur (Boy) Lyndoe.
Paul worked at the Holy Terror Mine for a short time until he was fired for being too young.
In 1942, shortly after the war started, he convinced his mother to sign a letter permitting him to join the Navy. He was 17 yrs. old, again too young.
He served as a Gunner's Mate 2nd Class on the subchaser SC 669. It was part of a fleet of boats made of wood. They were the smallest commissioned warship of the US Navy during WW I and WWII, aptly called the Splinter Fleet. During the entire war, only one subchaser received official credit for sinking an enemy submarine, despite numerous depth charge attacks made by SCs throughout the war against underwater objects.
On July 12, 1943, SC 669 sank Japanese submarine RO 107 off Kolombangara Island in the central Solomons. Toward the end of the war he also served on the U.S.S Elden (DE 264).
Despite his short time on the destroyer escort, he began attending reunions in 2003.
He developed many cherished and enduring friendships with shipmates during the trips with his family to several southern states.
Paul met and married Edith Jeffery in 1947. They had three children; Rhonda, Debra and Steven. After years in the water business, Paul and Edith purchased Champion Water Systems, previously known as Black Hills Servisoft.
Paul was preceded in death by his parents, brothers; David, George and James, sisters; Agnes Londry, Martha Himebaugh, Lois Bowman, Ann Lyndoe , Myrtle Cox, Betty Baier and Margaret McClure-Buntrock as well as his son, Steven Champion.

He is survived by his wife, two daughters, , Rapid City, SD and grandchildren,and two brothers.
Memorials are asked to benefit Black Hills Humane Society.
Memorial visitation will be from 5pm to 7pm on Monday, October 20, 2014 at Kirk Funeral Home.
A Memorial Service will be at 1pm on Tuesday, October 21 at the Funeral Home with Pastor Wes Wileman (New Underwood Community Church) and Pastor Greg Robinson (Journey Church) officiating. Private family inurnment will take place at a later date at the Keystone Cemetery.This memorial provided by:
Kirk Funeral Home, contact them for names of surviving family.